Seoul is not just one of the largest cities in Asia, but in the whole world. When talking about the huge capital city of South Korea, we talk also about remarkable achievements in business, international trade, technology, education and entertainment. From a historical point of view, Seoul was one of the most important cities in Asia and nowadays everyone can see that through its wonderful palaces. Here are some palaces you shouldn’t miss once you get there:

Gyeongbokgung

The largest palace in Seoul was built by the Joseon Dynasty; it was the seat of power for many years before the Japanese invasion in 1592-1598. All of the palace’s 7,700 rooms were restored during the reign of King Gojong (1852~1919) and the palace now houses the National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea. The first is located east within Hyangwonjeong, while the latter south of Heungnyemun Gate.

Changdeok-gung

Built in 1405 and seat for power between 1618 and 1896, Changdeok-gung’s buildings have been freshly restored and painted, making it a masterpiece that got it listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most impressive buildings within the palace are Seonjeongjeon, a building with a blue roof which was the King’s office and the Secret Garden or Huwon. The garden, along with the numerous flowers and thousands of trees make a wonderful example of Korea’s design tradition. Here you can find 360 degrees images of the Palace.

Deoksu-gung

Located in downtown Seoul, right next to the City Hall, the Deoksu-gung palace was built during the mid-fifteenth century, its architecture carrying strong influences of Western origins. Originally, the East Wing served as the King’s room, and the west wing was reserved for the Queen. Here is the place where King Gojong was forced to abdicate his throne in 1907; the palace is also the place where the King died in 1919. The most fascinating buildings within the palace are Jeonggwanheon, the first Western style building from 1900, and Seokjojeon, built by a British man and now a Japanese art gallery.

Changgyeong-gung

The palace, a former Summer Palace for the Goryeo Emperor, was originally built by King Sejong for his father, Taejong, and renovated by King Seongjong, who also added a few buildings. The building was transformed during the Japanese occupation into a resort with a zoo and botanic gardens. The palace has four components (Central Palace, Biwonor the Secret Garden, Naksonjae, and Sonwonjon Hall) and, like many other buildings of the Joseon Dynasty, has many ponds with arch bridges over them and buildings on mountain slopes.

Photo sources: Wikimedia Commons

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